'Celtic gave me reasons to live' - but O'Neill unsure about staying on

Martin O'Neill led Celtic to a fourth league title with the club, 21 years after his previous third. Celtic hosted Hearts needing a win to move above them at the top and secured a 3-1 victory through late goals by Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand. O'Neill said he feels rejuvenated and credited the players and staff with giving him a reason to live. He also noted he was enjoying retirement in October and did not expect to return to Celtic Park. After the win, he refused to commit to staying next season, saying he genuinely does not know and that conversations would come after the Scottish Cup final.

"“I feel rejuvenated,” O'Neill said. “The players and the staff have given me a reason to live. That's not to say my family haven't... I was in this very spot last season talking to Brendan about winning it and I was really jealous. Not for one minute did I think I'd be back here. In October, I was having coffee on the King's Road in London, enjoying retirement. I thought the days of me here at Celtic Park lifting trophies were well and truly gone. It has been really sensational for me. I really can't believe it.”"

"His side hosted Hearts on Saturday needing to win to leapfrog the Tynecastle outfit at the summit, which they managed in dramatic circumstances as late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand secured a 3-1 victory. O'Neill could even make it a double next weekend when Celtic face Championship side Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final."

"Given the regard in which he is held by Celtic supporters, there will inevitably be questions as to whether O'Neill continues in the role next season. When asked directly amid the post-match celebrations at Parkhead, the former Leicester City, Aston Villa and Sunderland manager refused to commit. “I genuinely don't know,” he said. “Has anybody talked to me? No, but I wasn't expecting that. There will be time for conversations after the cup final.”"

"“I'm pretty old so it does take it out of you. I'm a bit-part in proceedings. They see me every day the players, this old man, and think 'what's he doing here?'”"

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